As staff and volunteers, we have seen an increased need for our services. As the Christmas season approaches we anticipate not only the needs but the generous response of those who support our efforts. We are privileged to see The Spirit of Christmas Moving Amongst us!

E. C. Baird

I am the Christmas Spirit!

I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.

I cause the miser’s hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.

I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad way.

I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.

I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.

I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some token that releases glad tears ~ tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.

I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be.

I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.

In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and just for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.

I am the Christmas Spirit!

The Upper Room staff and clients have so much to be thankful for. We have received so many generous donations over the last year that I hesitate to express thanks, in case someone feels left out. You have helped us: to provide a warm sleeping bag for someone who is outside, to give a pair of gloves to someone who needs to protect their badly cut hands, to pass out toys to parents for their children for an upcoming birthday or Christmas gift, to provide a bus ticket to someone with a medical appointment, to receive such wonderful food donations, to know people have been clothed and fed before they leave. Thank you to all who have made these and many other things possible.

The Upper Room is blessed in having a dedicated and gifted staff. Even though they are few in number relative to the task, the Sum exhibits the Spirit of the One they serve. Since the last newsletter, two members have moved on in their ministry. ‘Burger’ our caretaker/cook has moved to Ontario and Anne, who jobshared in the office, has moved to other employment locally. Thanks to their service and May God continue to Bless them.

Our team now begins with the longest serving member, Brian who has been chief cook and bottlewasher for almost 10 years. His love of people and his laughter is contagious for those served and volunteering. David has served as the oldest member of staff for the past 71/2 years. As manager/counsellor/fundraiser and public relations person, he has helped the Upper Room grow in many ways. Jackie has jobshared the Administrative Assistant job for 4 years. Presently Cheryl shares this full time position. Their organisational skills are superb but in addition their spirit of dedication and warmth is what endears them to all who come to The Upper Room for service or volunteering or donating. Peter is ‘sous chef’ and brings his faith mixed with humour to the task of preparing meals, doing pickups and supporting volunteers. Andy comes to work with a mixture of gifts in repair and maintenance and as a qualified cook. Mike is the newest member of the staff. As Assistant Manager, he administers a contract with the Ministry of Human Resources with their most difficult clients. His faith and patience are essential to his work.

God’s gifts come to fruition through his servants.